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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
All I can say is: what a beautiful and tragic end to Mal and Alina’s story. I loved everything about it—an emotional, powerful conclusion that left me completely satisfied.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was excited to read this after storming through the first two in the series.
However, after enjoying the first two, this one felt a little...flat, to me.
The writing still sparkles and moves at a fast pace, with lots of interesting details thrown in to keep you hooked. I still enjoyed the change of pace from the usual 'English/French vaguely historical setting + magic' to 'Russian-ish vaguely historical setting + magic'.
(I think this might be a book for those who like world-building over character-building.)
I understand why the author chose to end it the way she did, but I also understand why The Amber Spyglass ended the way it did, and both books' endings made me unhappy and unsatisfied and cranky.
Spoiler alert:
Maybe I'm just difficult to please.
However, after enjoying the first two, this one felt a little...flat, to me.
The writing still sparkles and moves at a fast pace, with lots of interesting details thrown in to keep you hooked. I still enjoyed the change of pace from the usual 'English/French vaguely historical setting + magic' to 'Russian-ish vaguely historical setting + magic'.
(I think this might be a book for those who like world-building over character-building.)
I understand why the author chose to end it the way she did, but I also understand why The Amber Spyglass ended the way it did, and both books' endings made me unhappy and unsatisfied and cranky.
Spoiler alert:
Spoiler
Mal and Alina both survive, after a fashion: Alina loses her powers, Mal loses his tracking ability after dying for Alina. They end up together, though, if that's a thing that matters to you.Maybe I'm just difficult to please.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The third book is definitely a step up, good to see improvement in this series. Although the start was rocky, I enjoyed it in the end.
The weakest thing about these books is (in my opinion) the character of Alina. It feels a bit of a missed chance, because I think the storytelling is fine. I really thought about what it is that bothers me. It's first person narrative, but somehow she doesn't seem to come alive as a character. It seems she is a vessel that assumes a role which is needed in the story. One of the reasons may be that she is being led by circumstances. Everything happens to her, and there are not enough actions and choices (mainly in the first two books) that really - show - her personality. This becomes somewhat better in the third book.
I really was afraid of more highschool drama after the first book, but it doesn't really become as bad as other reviewers made me believe. I can see dialogue shine in witty banter, but I think the timing was sometimes a bit of (witty banter in situations that are not really calling for it). However, I believe if the author is a bit more careful with this, it can really be done well.
The worldbuilding is okay; I'm not really sure how this book is experienced for Russian people, since the linguistics at least are heavily borrowed from Russia. I will continue in Six of Crows, in anticipation of the Netflix show. I was afraid, after reading the first book, this trilogy would be a complete waste of time. It won't be my favourite, but it was an enjoyable, light series.
The weakest thing about these books is (in my opinion) the character of Alina. It feels a bit of a missed chance, because I think the storytelling is fine. I really thought about what it is that bothers me. It's first person narrative, but somehow she doesn't seem to come alive as a character. It seems she is a vessel that assumes a role which is needed in the story. One of the reasons may be that she is being led by circumstances. Everything happens to her, and there are not enough actions and choices (mainly in the first two books) that really - show - her personality. This becomes somewhat better in the third book.
I really was afraid of more highschool drama after the first book, but it doesn't really become as bad as other reviewers made me believe. I can see dialogue shine in witty banter, but I think the timing was sometimes a bit of (witty banter in situations that are not really calling for it). However, I believe if the author is a bit more careful with this, it can really be done well.
The worldbuilding is okay; I'm not really sure how this book is experienced for Russian people, since the linguistics at least are heavily borrowed from Russia. I will continue in Six of Crows, in anticipation of the Netflix show. I was afraid, after reading the first book, this trilogy would be a complete waste of time. It won't be my favourite, but it was an enjoyable, light series.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes